Verdict
The Icon Trend is a compelling proposition. As with all dealer specials, you might be able to get these extras for a better price individually, but fitting them would be a faff. With DAB radio and the Truma Waterline connection included as standard, this model seems nicely future-proofed.
Pros
Alde heating means there is no ducting taking up precious storage space
Cons
Settees are different lengths, so it’s a bit complicated to make up double bed
Kimberley Caravan is well known for dealer specials, from more than one UK manufacturer. This year its Swift-based specials have a new name, Icon, and have expanded to cover more than one range.
The Icon Trend is based on the Eccles, while the Icon takes the Sprite as a starting point. We visited Kimberley’s Nottingham branch to view the Icon Trend 2, modelled on the two-berth end-washroom Eccles 480.
Aside from the eye-catching new Icon logo, there is little immediate difference in terms of appearance between a standard Eccles and the Icon Trend.
You do get an ‘entertainment hatch’, which includes an external TV socket and mains switch – so if you want to put the TV in the awning or even outside (neighbours permitting), you can. There’s an external gas barbecue point on the nearside, too.
Look inside the gas bottle locker and you’ll see it includes a Truma DuoControl crash sensor change-over regulator.
The A-frame has Al-Ko’s manoeuvring handle, and ATC is fitted as standard. All Trends come with an Al-Ko wheel lock, and have a Truma Waterline connection. Such extras will make for very easy set-up.
This dealer special is 45kg heavier than the Swift on which it is based, but the MTPLM is higher, so it only takes 5kg off the payload.
The double is large and comfy, and there are spotlights for reading at night.
Living
All Icon Trend models come with a branded doormat: nothing unusual about that. But Kimberley has made a significant change elsewhere inside.
When Swift launched the centenary Eccles, many commented on the dark interior, with Zebrano wood-grain locker doors and black/gold cushions. The lockers remain, but Kimberley has toned down the cushions to mid-brown and off-white.
That aside, the lounge is much the same as the standard Swift’s – two comfortable parallel settees, with a single-drawer chest between them, lit by a large sunroof and rooflight as well as the windows during
the day, and by dimmable spotlights and ambient light in the evening.
The control panel in the door includes integrated DAB and FM radio tuning, which links to speakers in the ceiling. Thanks to sockets in the binnacle at the back of the chest and over the sideboard by the door, you get a choice of locations for any TV.
Kitchen
The kitchen is much the same as a standard Eccles, with a large sink in a huge work surface lit by a striplight, and a splashback with a striking diamond pattern around
the window. On the left below is a shallow drawer with a cutlery tray, above a double cupboard with storage baskets that slide out. On the right, underneath the dual-fuel four-burner hob, is a separate oven and grill with a pan locker below. An overhead locker sits either side of the microwave.
This extended two-berth has a sideboard across the aisle, with a shelf inside the lower cupboards and a small shelf between the upper and lower cupboards, ideal for ornaments or spices.
One notable addition is an Omnivent, in place of a standard rooflight.
Washroom
The washroom has a branded mirror over the handbasin, and a clothes rail above the spacious shower cubicle. It comes with elasticated cords, so you should be able to dry a whole collection of clothes in here. The Alde heating will make this easier.
The cubicle itself only has one drainage hole and there is no roof vent, but you do get a light and an EcoCamel showerhead.
On the other side, beyond the handbasin, is a huge wardrobe, which includes some very useful adjustable shelving.
Beds
Although dealer specials have all sorts of extras, the sleeping arrangement here is the same as in the Eccles. Icon Trend 2 still has the two settees that are slightly different in length – fine as singles, but more complicated when it comes to making up the double, because certain cushions have to go in certain places. That said, the double is large and comfy, and there are spotlights for reading at night.
Storage
The Trend gives external access to the nearside locker, although the door does open onto a support strut. But inside, you can reach these areas via flaps under the settees, or by removing the cushions and lifting the slats. When you do this, the advantages of Alde heating become obvious – both spaces are clear.
There are four overhead lockers in the lounge, and two more over the sideboard. The small DAB radio module means both front corner lockers are clear, too.
Technical Specifications
| Berth | 2 |
| MiRO | 1397 kg |
| Payload | 127 kg |
| MTPLM | 1424 kg |
| Interior Length | 4.95 m |
| Shipping Length | 6.66 m |
| Width | 2.23 m |
| Awning Size | 932 cm |
| ATC | Yes |
| Omnivent | Yes |
| External access to nearside locker | Yes |
| Branded washroom | Yes |
| Mirror and doormat | Yes |
| Truma Waterline connection | Yes |
| Al-Ko wheel lock | Yes |
